Echo Energy commences drilling at Campo La Mata x-1 well in Argentina

Upstream oil and gas firm Echo Energy has commenced a drilling programme of the Campo La Mata x-1 (CLM x-1) on its Tapi Aike block in Argentina.

The drilling programme comes after the mobilisation of the Petreven H-205 rig to Tapi Aike location.

CLM x-1 is the first of the four well exploration drilling programme on Tapi Aike block.

The well is located in Chiripia Oeste, the eastern portion of the Tapi Aike 3D survey area.

It is planned to be drilled to a total measured depth of approximately 2,600m.

The primary target of CLM x-1 is a stratigraphic trap, which lies in the Magallanes Formation at a depth of 2,000m TVD.

A secondary horizon in the Anita Formation will also be targeted by the well and is expected to be encountered at depths of 2,225m and 1,925m TVD.

As part of the technical work conducted for the well, Operator Compañía General de Combustibles has noticed a high negative amplitude signature at the target area.

The technical work also identified Class III amplitude versus offset characteristics.

Echo Energy said in a statement: “Should the results of drilling and logging support further operations, drilling and logging may be followed by a mechanical stimulation and well test, which is a standard technique in the basin.”

Mechanical stimulation and well testing are expected to take another five to six weeks.

In February last year, the company unveiled plans to drill four new exploration wells in Argentina as part of its 2018 work programme in the country.